The Uasin Gishu County Government through the Department of Lands, Housing, Physical Planning and Urban Development is working with the Kenya Informal settlements Improvement Project (KISIP) in a bid to address land issues that have been long overdue in three settlements.
The Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim, speaking at the County Headquarters grounds during the issuance of the title deeds to 505 beneficiaries said the land is an emotive subject as it rolls deep meaning and significance for individuals, for families and communities.
He said it is a symbol of security, identity and pride and today marks an important moment for the beneficiaries as they receive the recognition and the guarantee they deserve through the power of a title deed.
“By granting the title deeds to the residents of Hill School village, Kuinet and Maili Nne, we are providing them with a document that not only satisfies the ownership of the land they live on, but also empowering them to make better use of their properties,” said the county Boss.
Bii expressed deepest appreciation for the tremendous impact the KISIP program has had on the residents of Uasin Gishu county.
“The first phase of this program has significantly improved the living standards of our residents in informal settlements through the road construction projects, finding a total of 22.6 Kilometers,” said Bii.
“We have enhanced the connectivity and accessibility in settlements such as Huruma, Munyaka, Kamukunji, Kimumu, Hawaii and hill school village, Kambi Nairobi. This move has opened up new opportunities for our economic growth,” he noted.
He said that recognizing the importance of security in informal settlements, the KISIP program has seen an installation of 17 floodlights across various locations, and this lights not only illuminate the path ways, but also bring a sense of safety and security to the residents, ensuring that they can go about their daily activities without fear.
“Furthermore, the program has undertaken a significant effort to address the challenges of water shortage and poor sanitation conditions that have left informal settlement for years therefore we have constructed eight ablution blocks to improve sanitation facilities and promote health and hygiene among the residents,” said Bii.
He revealed that there has been remarkable cohesiveness and cooperation among the people of these settlements throughout the implementation of the projects.
“As we look at KISIP 2 we have identified Mwanzo, Kipkaren and Maili Nne as areas where infrastructure works are urgently needed, I would like to request the state department of housing and urban development to allocate additional funds for infrastructure development in our settlements by investing in these communities as we are able to foster greater prosperity and create more sustainable future for all,” he noted.
Bii further noted that owning a title deed encourages a long-term investment and stability, with the crucial documents beneficiaries can continuously make investments in their priorities knowing that their ownership rights are protected.
He added that this assurance not only attracts investors but also encourages the residents themselves to engage more on agricultural activities as they can now fully grasp the rewards of their hard work.
“Having a clear land ownership reduces the risk of land disputes, fostering a harmonious and cohesive community where everyone can focus on building a prosperous future,” added Bii.
“Let this document be a guarantor of your rights and a foundation for a better future as you enjoy your constitutional rights under article 40, where every person has a right to acquire and own property for any description anywhere in Kenya,” he said.
By Judy Too
